U.S. patent number 10,281,274 [Application Number 15/620,640] was granted by the patent office on 2019-05-07 for level and level-straightedge system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. Invention is credited to Daniel L. Block, John R. Christianson.
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United States Patent |
10,281,274 |
Block , et al. |
May 7, 2019 |
Level and level-straightedge system
Abstract
A level and level-straightedge system is provided. The level may
include one or more slip-resistant structure. The slip-resistant
structure may be a collar formed from a high friction polymer
material that at least partially surrounds a level vial. The collar
may be co-molded with the material of the vial surround. The level
may be a relatively small level having a length less than 14 inches
and may include a groove for receiving a straightedge. The groove
design alone or in combination with the collar may allow for a
relatively short level to support a relatively long
straightedge.
Inventors: |
Block; Daniel L. (West Allis,
WI), Christianson; John R. (Waukesha, WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation |
Brookfield |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
Milwaukee Electric Tool
Corporation (Brookfield, WI)
|
Family
ID: |
60677265 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/620,640 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170370718 A1 |
Dec 28, 2017 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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62355097 |
Jun 27, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43L
7/00 (20130101); G01C 9/34 (20130101); G01C
9/28 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01C
9/34 (20060101); B43L 7/00 (20060101); G01C
9/28 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;33/354,381 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bennett; George B
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
s.c.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/355,097, filed on Jun. 27, 2016,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A level and straightedge system comprising: a level comprising:
an upper wall defining a planar upper surface; a lower wall
defining a planar base surface parallel to the upper surface; a
vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the lower wall; a vial
opening defined at least in part within the vertical wall; a level
vial supported within the vial opening; a maximum length extending
between opposing ends of the level; a gripping collar extending
horizontally outward away from the vertical central wall such that
the gripping collar defines a maximum width of the level; and a
channel formed in the upper wall and extending the entire length of
the upper wall, wherein a vertical plane bisecting the vertical
wall intersects the channel; and a straightedge having a lower end
positioned within the channel such that the straightedge is
supported by the level; wherein the straightedge is positioned
within the channel at an angle relative to the vertical plane; and
wherein the straightedge is angled such that a single vertical
plane intersects both an upper corner of the straightedge and an
outer surface of the gripping collar.
2. The level and straightedge system of claim 1, wherein a maximum
length of the straightedge is at least twice the maximum length of
the level.
3. The level and straightedge system of claim 1, wherein the level
further comprises a body plate coupled to the vertical wall, the
body plate formed from a first plastic material, wherein the
gripping collar is formed from a second plastic material and is
coupled to the first plastic material of the body plate.
4. The level and straightedge system of claim 3, wherein the second
plastic material of the gripping collar is bonded via co-molding
with the first plastic material of the body plate.
5. The level and straightedge system of claim 1, wherein a width of
the channel is greater than a width of the straightedge, wherein
the straightedge is angled such that a first lower corner engages a
sidewall surface of the channel and a second lower corner engages a
lower surface of the channel.
6. The level and straightedge system of claim 5, wherein the
sidewall surface of the channel is a vertically oriented surface
and the lower surface of the channel is a horizontal surface.
7. The level and straightedge system of claim 6, wherein the upper
wall and the lower wall are horizontal walls and the vertical wall
is perpendicular to the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the
vertical wall is positioned such that the vertical plane bisects
the upper wall, the lower wall and the channel.
8. The level and straightedge system of claim 6, wherein the
maximum length of level is 14 inches or less and the maximum length
of the straightedge is at least 36 inches.
9. A level comprising: a level frame formed from a metal material,
the level frame comprising: an upper wall defining a planar upper
surface; a lower wall defining a planar base surface parallel to
the upper surface; a vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the
lower wall and defining a vertical plane that bisects the vertical
wall; and a vial opening defined at least in part within the
vertical wall; and wherein the upper wall and lower wall are
horizontal walls and the vertical wall is perpendicular to the
upper and lower wall, the vertical wall is positioned such that a
vertical plane bisecting the vertical wall also bisects the upper
wall and the lower wall; a level vial supported by the level frame
within the vial opening; a body plate coupled to the vertical wall
formed from a first plastic material; and a gripping collar formed
from a second plastic material coupled to the first plastic
material of the body plate, the gripping collar at least partially
surrounding the vial opening and extending horizontally outward
away from the vertical central wall such that the gripping collar
defines a maximum width of the level.
10. The level of claim 9, wherein the second plastic material is a
Shore A material, and the first plastic material is a Shore D
material.
11. The level of claim 9, wherein the second plastic material is
co-molded with the first plastic material such that the second
plastic material is bonded to the first plastic material.
12. The level of claim 9, wherein a coefficient of sliding friction
of the first plastic material is less than a coefficient of sliding
friction of the second plastic material.
13. The level of claim 9, wherein a maximum length extending
between opposing ends of the level frame is 14 inches or less,
wherein opposing end sections of both the upper wall and the lower
wall have tapered outer surfaces.
14. The level of claim 13, wherein the level frame defines a
channel located in the upper wall that extends the entire length of
the upper wall, wherein the vertical plane that bisects the
vertical wall also intersects the channel.
15. A level comprising: a level frame formed from a metal material,
the level frame comprising: an upper wall defining a planar upper
surface; a lower wall defining a planar base surface parallel to
the upper surface; a vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the
lower wall; a vial opening defined at least in part within the
vertical wall; and a channel formed in the upper wall that extends
the entire length of the upper wall, wherein a vertical plane
bisecting the vertical wall intersects the channel; a level vial
supported by the level frame within the vial opening; a body plate
coupled to the vertical wall formed from a first plastic material;
and a gripping collar formed from a second plastic material bonded
via co-molding to the first plastic material of the body plate;
wherein the gripping collar at least partially surrounds the vial
opening and extends horizontally outward away from the vertical
central wall such that the gripping collar defines a maximum width
of the level; wherein a maximum length extending between opposing
ends of the level frame is 14 inches or less.
16. The level of claim 15, wherein the upper wall and lower wall
are horizontal walls and the vertical wall is perpendicular to the
upper and lower wall, the vertical positioned such that a vertical
plane bisecting the vertical wall also bisects the upper wall, the
lower wall and the channel, wherein opposing end sections of both
the upper wall and the lower wall have outer surfaces that taper in
the width direction.
17. The level of claim 15, wherein the second plastic material is a
Shore A material, and the first plastic material is a Shore D
material.
18. The level of claim 15, wherein a coefficient of sliding
friction of the first plastic material is less than a coefficient
of sliding friction of the second plastic material.
19. The level of claim 15, wherein the second plastic material is a
thermoplastic elastomer material.
20. The level of claim 15, wherein the channel is defined by a pair
of opposing vertically oriented surfaces and by a lower horizontal
surface extending between the opposing vertically oriented
surfaces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The
present invention relates specifically to a tool, such as a level,
a spirit level, a torpedo level, a billet torpedo type level, a
block torpedo type level, etc., with an anti-slip or gripping
material molded (e.g., via co-molding) to a vial surround of the
level. Levels, such as spirit levels, are used to determine the
levelness of a structure, surface or workpiece. In use, the level
is placed on or in contact with a surface to be measured, and the
user views the location of a bubble within a vial relative to
markings that indicate the levelness of the structure, surface or
workpiece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In various embodiments, the level includes a level body having a
vial surround surrounding an opening, and the vial surround is
formed from a first material, such as a first polymer material or a
metal material. The level includes a level vial located within the
opening. The level includes a collar formed from a second polymer
material. The collar at least partially surrounds the vial surround
opening and has an inner surface bonded to an outer surface of the
vial surround. The collar defines a maximum width of the level such
that the outmost surface of the collar is positioned to contact a
workpiece surface first, before other surfaces of the level
adjacent the collar contact the workpiece surface.
In various embodiments, the collar is formed from a high friction
material having a coefficient of sliding friction greater than that
of the first material. In various embodiments, the collar is formed
from at least one of a thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic
elastomer material, a thermoplastic rubber material, a
thermoplastic vulcanite material, a thermoplastic urethane material
and a silicone material. In various embodiments, the collar
partially surrounds the opening such that the collar includes a gap
of at least 45 degrees between opposing end surfaces of the collar.
In various embodiments, the level is a small level having a length
in the longitudinal direction less than 14 inches, specifically
less than 12 inches and more specifically less than 10 inches.
In various embodiments, a process for forming a level having an
anti-slip collar is provided. The process includes co-molding a
vial surround and a collar coupled to the vial surround. The vial
surround is molded from a first polymer material, and the collar is
molded from a second polymer material, different from the first
material. The second polymer material is compatible with the first
polymer material such that a bond is formed between the first and
second polymer materials. In various embodiments, the collar
directly contacts the material of the vial surround, and in some
such embodiments, no adhesive material is located between the vial
surround and the collar.
Another embodiment relates to a level and straightedge system
comprising a level and a straightedge. The straightedge comprises
an upper wall defining a planar upper surface and a lower wall
defining a planar base surface parallel to the upper surface. The
level comprises a vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the
lower wall. The level comprises a vial opening defined at least in
part within the vertical wall and a level vial supported within the
vial opening. The level comprises a maximum length extending
between opposing ends of the level and a channel formed in the
upper wall that extends the entire length of the upper wall. A
vertical plane bisecting the vertical wall intersects the channel.
The system includes a straightedge having a lower end positioned
within the channel such that the straightedge is supported by the
level. The straightedge is positioned within the channel at an
angle relative to the vertical plane. A maximum length of the
straightedge is at least twice the maximum length of the level.
Another embodiment relates to a level including a level frame
formed from a metal material. The level frame includes an upper
wall defining a planar upper surface and a lower wall defining a
planar base surface parallel to the upper surface. The level
includes a vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the lower wall,
and the vertical wall defines a vertical plane that bisects the
vertical wall. The level frame includes a vial opening defined at
least in part within the vertical wall. The upper wall and lower
wall are horizontal walls and the vertical wall is perpendicular to
the upper and lower wall, and the vertical wall is positioned such
that a vertical plane bisecting the vertical wall also bisects the
upper wall and the lower wall. The level includes a level vial
supported by the level frame within the vial opening. The level
includes a body plate coupled to the vertical wall formed from a
first plastic material. The level includes a gripping collar formed
from a second plastic material coupled to the first plastic
material of the body plate, the gripping collar at least partially
surrounding the vial opening and extending horizontally outward
away from the vertical central wall such that the gripping collar
defines a maximum width of the level.
Another embodiment relates to a level including a level frame
formed from a metal material. The level frame includes an upper
wall defining a planar upper surface and a lower wall defining a
planar base surface parallel to the upper surface. The level frame
includes a vertical wall coupling the upper wall to the lower wall
and a vial opening defined at least in part within the vertical
wall. The level frame includes a channel formed in the upper wall
that extends the entire length of the upper wall, and a vertical
plane that bisects the vertical wall also intersects the channel.
The level includes a level vial supported by the level frame within
the vial opening. The level includes a body plate coupled to the
vertical wall formed from a first plastic material. The level
includes a gripping collar formed from a second plastic material
bonded via co-molding to the first plastic material of the body
plate. The gripping collar at least partially surrounds the vial
opening and extends horizontally outward away from the vertical
central wall such that the gripping collar defines a maximum width
of the level. A maximum length extending between opposing ends of
the level frame is 14 inches or less.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the
detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or
recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the
written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended
drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are
exemplary.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and
together with the description serve to explain principles and
operation of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a level, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the level of FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the level of FIG. 1 showing a
face plate spaced from the level body and vial surround, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the level of FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view from below of a vial surround
including an anti-slip collar, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view from above of a vial surround
including an anti-slip collar, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a level, according to another
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a level and straightedge system,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an end view of the level and straightedge system of FIG.
8, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a level
are shown. In general, the levels discussed herein include one or
more level vials each supported within a vial surround which are in
turn supported within a level body. The level body includes a
generally planar base surface and an opposing upper surface that is
generally parallel to the planar base surface. As will be generally
understood, the base of the level is placed on a workpiece (e.g., a
structure, surface, etc.) in order for the user of the level to
measure the degree of level or plumb of a surface by observing the
position of a bubble within each level vial.
In various embodiments, the level discussed herein includes one or
more features that facilitate use, handling, and measuring
utilizing the level. In specific embodiments, at least one of the
vial surrounds, and specifically the central vial surround, include
a collar formed from an anti-slip or gripping (e.g., a high
friction) material that protrudes slightly beyond the face of the
level. The gripping material may generally be a relatively soft
material (e.g., soft-touch material, a thermoplastic material, a
thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE), a thermoplastic urethane
material (TPU), a thermoplastic rubber material (TPR), a
thermoplastic vulcanite material (TPV), a silicone, etc.) that
helps hold the level in place relative to a work surface via
friction, and in specific embodiments, the material of the gripping
collar is also a non-marring material such that the material does
not mark a work surface when in contact with the workpiece.
In various embodiments, the gripping collar is structured and
manufactured in a manner that Applicant believes improves function
and manufacturability relative to at least some other level
designs. For example, in some embodiments, the gripping collar may
be co-molded with the vial surround. Co-molding increases
manufacturing efficiency by eliminating at least one assembly step
that may otherwise be needed to assemble a separately molded
gripping collar to a vial surround. Further, in at least some
embodiments, Applicant believes that co-molding utilizing
bond-compatible materials for both the vial surround and the
gripping collar achieves a high level of bonding between the vial
surround and gripping collar without the need for a separate layer
of adhesive to bond the gripping collar to the vial surround.
Further, by co-molding the gripping collar with the vial surround,
a mating geometry between the contact surfaces of the vial surround
and the collar may be selected to further facilitate coupling
between the vial surround and the gripping collar.
In specific embodiments, the level is a relatively small level
(e.g., longitudinal length less than 14 inches, less than 12
inches, less than 10 inches, etc.), and specifically may be a
torpedo level including ends that taper toward the longitudinal
axis forming narrow opposing end surfaces. In specific embodiments,
level embodiments discussed herein include a groove or channel
along the entire longitudinal length of the upper surface, and in
use, the groove supports a large straightedge for marking lines
having a length greater than the length of the level. Thus, in such
embodiments, Applicant believes that the gripping collar discussed
herein is advantageous, despite the relatively small length of the
level itself, because the gripping collar facilitates stability
during straightedge marking and measuring across large straightedge
lengths. Accordingly, in such embodiments, Applicant has identified
the need for a gripping structure to maintain stability even in a
relatively small level.
Referring to FIG. 1, a leveling device, such as level 10, is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. In general, level 10 includes
a body 12 that includes a base surface 14 and an opposing top
surface 16. Base surface 14 is a flat, planar surface that engages
a surface of a workpiece to be measured using level 10. In some
specific embodiments, base surface 14 is machined to have a flat,
flush or planar surface following extrusion, and in some
embodiments, this machined surface may be anodized.
Level 10 includes a plurality of through bores formed through body
12. As shown in FIG. 1, level 10 includes a central opening 18, a
first end opening 20 and a second end opening 22. As will be
understood, openings 18, 20 and 22 receive three level vials 24
(e.g., bubble vials) which are held in the appropriate orientation
relative to base surface 14 in order for the vials to indicate the
angle, levelness, plumb, etc. of the corresponding surface of a
workpiece.
As shown in FIG. 1, body 12 of level 10 generally defines a
longitudinal axis 26, a width axis 28 and a height axis 30.
Surfaces 14 and 16 have a length extending generally in the
direction of longitudinal axis 26 and reside planes defined by axes
26 and 28. Openings 18, 20 and 22 each define an axis extending
between the left and right sides of level 10 in the direction of
width axis 28 such that openings 18, 20 and 22 are substantially
perpendicular to longitudinal axis 26.
Level 10 includes a channel or groove 32 formed along upper surface
16 that extends the length of level body 12 in the direction of
longitudinal axis 26. Groove 32 is a recessed channel set below
(e.g., recessed in the direction of height axis 30) upper surface
16. In some embodiments, groove 32 is sized to receive a
straightedge that is longer than level 10 for the marking or lines
on a workpiece. As explained below, among other functions, the
gripping structure of level 10 limits or prevents movement of level
10 relative to the workpiece during marking, which in turn
facilitates the marking of straight lines, even when using a
straightedge having a length several times longer than the length
of level 10.
In at least some embodiments, level 10 is a relatively small level
having a length in the direction of longitudinal axis 26 less than
or equal to 14 inches, specifically less than or equal to 12 inches
and more specifically less than or equal to 10 inches. In various
embodiments, level 10 has tapered end sections 34 and 36 that taper
inwardly toward longitudinal axis 26 such that the end sections 34
and 36 transition to narrow, vertical end surfaces 38 and 40.
Specifically the upper and lower walls (e.g., see walls 110 and 114
in FIG. 9) that form base surface 14 and upper surface 16 have
decreasing widths at end sections 34 and 36 such that the width of
surfaces 14 and 16 decrease in the width direction to join the
narrower width of end surfaces 38 and 40. In the specific
embodiment shown, level 10 is a torpedo level. In other
embodiments, the level designs and components discussed herein may
be utilized in any other style of level, such as box levels, billet
levels, I-beam levels, etc.
Referring to FIG. 1, each of the level vials 24 is supported within
body 12 by a vial surround 42. In general, vial surround 42 is a
generally annular or elongate shaped piece of level body 12 and
supports one of the level vials 24. In various embodiments, vial
surrounds 42 are one or more molded polymer pieces that is mounted
(e.g., via adhesive, press-fit, interference fit, etc.) to the
other portions forming level body 12.
Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of level 10 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, level 10 includes a
central body member 50, and in specific embodiments, central body
member 50 is a metal structure that includes both base surface 14
and upper surface 16. In various embodiments, central body member
50 is formed from a metal material, such as an extruded metal
material (e.g., extruded aluminum), a die-cast metal, molded metal,
etc. Level 10 includes a pair of opposing body plates, shown as
mounting plates 52, and a pair of face plates 54, and in FIG. 2,
the left mounting plate 52 is shown mounted to the left face plate
54. In general, mounting plates 52 each define a portion of each of
the vial surrounds 42. In this arrangement, when assembled, a
portion of each vial surround 42 is contributed by each of the
mounting plates 52, and each level vial 24 is rigidly mounted
between opposing portions of the left and right mounting plates 52
within each vial surround 42.
As shown in FIG. 2, mounting plates 52 are mounted to the left side
and right side of central body member 50, respectively and one of
the face plates 54 is mounted to the outside of each of the
mounting plates 52. In this arrangement, level vials 24 are
supported within level body 12, and the central body member 50,
mounting plates 52 and face plates 54 are coupled together forming
level 10. In specific embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, level 10
includes one or more magnetic coupling element, shown as magnets or
magnetic circuits 56, that are mounted within central body member
50, below base surface 14 such that the magnets facilitate holding
of level 10 to a magnetic workpiece.
Referring to FIG. 3, level 10 is shown with the left face plate 54
removed from the left mounting plate 52. In various embodiments,
level 10 includes an anti-slip or gripping collar, shown as collar
60. Gripping collar 60 is formed from a high friction, anti-slip or
gripping material that increases friction against a workpiece
surface which limits or prevents slippage of level 10 relative to
the workpiece during use.
In various embodiments, gripping collar 60 is formed from a polymer
material such as a TPE, TPU or silicone material. In general,
gripping collar 60 is formed from a polymer material that is
different from the polymer material that forms mounting plate 52.
For example, in various embodiments, gripping collar 60 is a
different polymer type than mounting plate 52, and in other
embodiments, gripping collar 60 is formed from the same polymer
type (e.g., both are polyethylene polymers) but that have different
physical characteristics, different additives, etc. In various
embodiments, gripping collar 60 is formed from a high friction
polymer material having a coefficient of sliding friction greater
than the coefficient of sliding friction of the material forming
mounting plate 52 and vial surround 42. In specific embodiments,
gripping collar 60 has a coefficient of sliding friction that is at
least 10% greater, specifically at least 50% greater and more
specifically at least double the coefficient of sliding friction of
the material forming mounting plate 52 and vial surround 42. In
various embodiments, gripping collar 60 is formed from a
compressible polymer material having a durometer less than the
durometer of the material forming mounting plate 52 and vial
surround 42. In a specific embodiment, gripping collar 60 is formed
from a Shore A material and mounting plate 52 and/or vial surround
42 is formed from a Shore D material. In various embodiments,
gripping collar 60 is formed from an elastic polymer material
having a Young's modulus of elasticity less than the Young's
modulus of elasticity of the material forming mounting plate 52 and
vial surround 42.
Further, gripping collar 60 is sized relative to level body 12 to
facilitate engagement with an adjacent workpiece surface. Referring
to FIG. 4, gripping collar 60 has outer surface 62. In various
embodiments, at least a portion of outer surface 62 resides in a
generally vertical plane such that at least a portion of outer
surface 62 is parallel to height axis 30. Gripping collar 60 has a
width in the direction of width axis 28 such that outer surface 62
is the outermost surface of level 10 in the width direction on at
least one side of level 10 (i.e., the left side in the orientation
of FIG. 3. In this arrangement, outer surface 62 of gripping collar
60 is able to engage the surface of the work piece to provide the
anti-slip function discussed herein. In various embodiments, outer
surface 62 of gripping collar 60 is spaced between 0.1 inches and
0.01 inches from the adjacent lateral surface 64 of level body 12,
specifically between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, and more
specifically about 0.037 inches (e.g., 0.037 inches plus or minus
10%).
In various embodiments, gripping collar 60 is sized and shaped
relative to mounting plate 52 and vial surround 42 to facilitate
coupling of gripping collar 60 to mounting plate 52 and/or to
facilitate molding of gripping collar 60 to mounting plate 52. As
shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, gripping collar 60 includes a left
section 70, a right section 72 and a lower section 74 that together
surround and contact vial surround 42.
In the embodiment shown, gripping collar 60 includes a gap 76
between the opposing upper ends of left section 70 and right
section 72 such that an upper portion of vial surround 42 is not
surrounded/contacted by gripping collar 60. In this arrangement,
gripping collar 60 surrounds less than all of vial surround 42. In
specific embodiments, gripping collar 60 is sized such that an
angle A is measured from the center point of the vial opening
between the opposing upper ends of left section 70 and right
section 72. In various embodiments, angle A is at least 30 degrees,
and more specifically at least 45 degrees such that at least a 45
degree portion of vial surround 42 is not surrounded by gripping
collar 60.
Left section 70 and right section 72 each include a flange section
78 and wall section 80. In general, flange section 78 extends away
from vial surround 42 along the outer surface of mounting plate 52,
and wall sections 80 extend outward, in the direction of width axis
28, away from flange section 78 and mounting plate 52. As shown in
FIG. 6, the lower or inner surfaces 82 of wall sections 80 follow
the contours of the outer surface of vial surround 42 such that
inner surfaces 82 partially surround the outer surfaces of vial
surround 42. This surrounding engagement between inner surface 82
and the outer surface of vial surround 42 acts to couple gripping
collar 60 to vial surround 42 through bonding and/or friction fit.
In addition, lower section 74 surrounds a lower portion of vial
surround 42 and further facilitates coupling of gripping collar 60
to vial surround 42.
In various embodiments, level 10 is formed utilizing a co-molding
process (e.g., a co-injection molding process) to co-mold different
layers or types of materials together using a single step molding
process. In the particular, gripping collar 60 may be co-molded
with mounting plate 52. In such embodiments, a mold such as a
co-injection mold delivers a first material (e.g., a first polymer
material) into a portion of the mold shaped to form mounting plate
52 and also delivers a second material (e.g., a second polymer
material, a soft-touch material, a TPE, a TPU, etc.) to a portion
of the mold shaped to form gripping collar 60 in the position and
engaging vial surround 42 as discussed herein. Thus, in such
embodiments, gripping collar 60 is molded in place around vial
surround 42 such that a subsequent assembly step is not needed to
position gripping collar 60 around vial surround 42.
In various embodiments, the material of gripping collar 60 is
compatible with the material of mounting plate 52 such that a bond
is formed between the polymer material of gripping collar 60 and
the polymer material of mounting plate 52. In some embodiments, the
bond is sufficient to hold gripping collar 60 to mounting plate 52
without the need for an adhesive between gripping collar 60 and
mounting plate 52, and in such embodiments, the inner surface of
gripping collar 60 directly contacts the outer surface of mounting
plate 52 at vial surround 42. In various embodiments, the bond
between gripping collar 60 and mounting plate 52 is relatively weak
such that gripping collar 60 may be peeled from mounting plate 52
with a relatively low amount of force (e.g., peelable by hand). In
such embodiments, a bond of adhesion is formed by direct contact
between the polymer material of gripping collar 60 and the polymer
material of mounting plate 52 at an interface between the two
materials. The adhesion bond between the polymer material of
gripping collar 60 and the polymer material of mounting plate 52 is
formed without use of an additional adhesive material, and in
specific embodiments, the adhesion bond holds gripping collar 60 to
mounting plate 52 without use of friction fit structures (e.g.,
press-fit structures).
Referring to FIG. 7, a level, such as level 90, is shown according
to an exemplary embodiment. Level 90 is substantially the same as
level 10 discussed above. However, as shown in FIG. 7, face plate
54 of level 90 includes a textured outer surface 92. Textured outer
surface 92 includes a plurality of raised bumps 94 that may provide
increase texture allowing level 90 to held/gripped by a user more
easily, and in specific embodiments, textured outer surface 92 may
form an aesthetic design or pattern.
Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a level and straightedge system 100
is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In general, level
and straightedge system 100 includes level 10 (or level 90), and a
straightedge 102 positioned with channel 32 of level 10. As shown
best in FIG. 8, the maximum length of straightedge 102 is
substantially greater than the maximum length of level 10, such as
at least twice the maximum length of level 10. In specific
embodiments, the maximum length of level 10 is less than or equal
to 14 inches, and the maximum length of level 10 is 36 inches or
more. In specific embodiments, despite the large difference in
lengths, the design of level 10 allows straightedge 102 to be held
securely adjacent to a workpiece, such as a wall, allowing a line
to be marked using straightedge 102 while reducing the risk that
straightedge 102 and/or level 10 will shift during marking.
Referring to FIG. 9, an end view showing system 100 positioned for
line marking against a wall 104 is shown according to an exemplary
embodiment. In this view, the structure of level 100 for support of
straightedge 102 can be seen. Specifically, level 10 includes a
level frame, shown as central body 50, forming an "I-beam"
cross-sectional shape. Central body 50 includes an upper wall 110
that defines a planar upper surface 16 and a lower wall 114
defining a planar base surface 14. Base surface 14 is parallel to
the upper surface 16 and generally is a planar working surface that
engages a workpiece when during leveling measurements.
Central body 50 includes a central vertical wall 118 that couples
upper wall 110 to lower wall 114. Channel 32 is formed in upper
wall 110, and as shown in FIG. 8, channel 32 extends the entire
length of upper wall 110. As will generally be understood, vial
openings 18, 20 and 22 (shown in FIG. 1) are partially
formed/defined within central wall 118 with corresponding and
aligned openings being formed within face plates 54.
Providing the "I-beam" shape, central body 50 is shaped with
vertical wall 118 centrally located such that a vertical plane 120
that bisects vertical wall 118 also intersects channel 32. In the
specific embodiment shown, both upper wall 110 and lower wall 114
are horizontal walls, and vertical wall 118 is perpendicular to
upper wall 110 and lower wall 114. In this arrangement, vertical
plane 120 bisects upper wall 110, lower wall 114, channel 32, upper
surface 16 and/or lower surface 14.
As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, Applicant has identified a
structure, shape and design of channel 32 and of gripping collar 60
that allow a large straightedge, such as straightedge 102, to be
securely supported by even a relatively short level, such as level
10. Channel 32 includes a pair of opposing sidewall surfaces 122
and a lower surface 124. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9,
channel sidewall surfaces 122 are vertical surfaces and lower
surface 124 is a horizontal surface.
Channel 32 is sized such that straightedge 102 is angled or tilted
within channel 32 when in use, as shown in FIG. 9. This angled
position works in conjunction with gripping collar 60 to securely
position level 10 and straightedge 102 along wall 104. To
facilitate this arrangement, the width of channel 32 is larger than
the width of straightedge 102, and straightedge 102 is angled such
that a left lower corner 130 engages one of the channel sidewall
surfaces 122 and a lower right corner 132 engages lower channel
surface 124. Providing a third contact point, straightedge 102 has
an upper corner 126 that is engaged along wall 104. The three
points of contact, two within channel 32 and one against wall 104,
along with the angled orientation of straightedge 102 provides a
stable support of straightedge 102 by level 10 along wall 104.
To further increase stability, the angled positioning of
straightedge 102 within channel 32 works together with gripping
collar 60 to further secure level 10 in place along wall 104 for
line marking. In use, the horizontally outermost surface of collar
60 engages wall 104 such that a common vertical plane (in this case
represented by the outer surface of wall 104) intersects both the
outer surface of gripping collar 60 and upper corner 126 of
straightedge 102. Applicant has found that this combination of
channel-shape, allowing angled straightedge positioning, along with
gripping collar 60 provides a stable straightedge support such that
a straight mark can be made along an upper corner 126 without
shifting, even given the large length differences between level 10
and straightedge 102.
It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary
embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present
application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth
in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be
understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description
only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is
to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and
arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are
illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been
described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise
varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions
may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process,
logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced
according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the
design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various
exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that
any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method
claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps
or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In
addition, as used herein the article "a" is intended to include one
or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed
as meaning only one.
Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of
any of the features, and any such combination of features may be
claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features,
elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments
discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of
the features, elements, or components of any of the other
embodiments discussed above.
In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions,
including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to
scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative
dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary
embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges
around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions
that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary
embodiments include any combination of one or more relative
dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures.
Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this
description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions
measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions
set out in this description. In addition, in various embodiments,
the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus
or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative
dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.
* * * * *